“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
Most of this world lives for today, with no thought of planning for tomorrow. When I say, “no thought,” I am NOT talking against Jesus’ command in Matthew 6 when he is talking about worrying and taking no thought of what you are going to eat, or cloth yourself with.
What I mean is that this world’s culture is only focused on their lives for today, with no thought for the consequences of tomorrow. Meaning, if they can just get an adrenaline rush with the consumption of a temporary fix, then life is complete. But they are only fooling themselves because the drug of this world’s tranquility will only leave them for the next fix… or I should say the next sin!
Here is a very sad statistic as of June 15, 2021…..
According to the research, 54 percent of consumers in the U.S. (125 million U.S. adults) are living paycheck-to-paycheck, with 21 percent of this population struggling to pay their bills. Meaning they have little, or no money left over after receiving their income.
In this world’s culture, preparedness is not popular. Living by the seat of your pants seems like the most popular choice. But this is NOT Kingdom Culture. The Bible is very clear from cover to cover about our need to be ready for God.
The Bible commands us:
- to strip off anything that will weigh us down
- cast off the works of darkness
- to be ready
- to be prepared
- to be watchful
Kingdom Culture thinks ahead and is ready for the day Christ returns… because we know, He is coming when NO MAN thinks He is coming. Like a thief in the night.
I have decided not to live my Christian life like the world lives their lives.
I want to be ready!! I won’t be ready if I am living for God by the seat of my pants.
I won’t be ready if I am living for God half-heartly. I won’t be ready if my priorities are focused more on this world’s kingdom then God’s Kingdom.
Parable of the Ten Virgins / Bridesmaids
Matthew 25:1-13 NLT “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps,
but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
I challenge you today as a church to be ready like never before. Be aware of the times we are living in! If you have already experienced the gospel but need to get things right, repent and get things right today. God has given you a space of grace today! If you have not experienced the Gospel, this is the day to make your move!
